Erend Charles Leonard Pearce

Reverend Charles Leonard Pearce, 85, of Attleboro, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Golden Living Center in Attleboro, MA. He was the loving and beloved husband of Reverend Rhoda H. (Zeeman) Pearce, to whom he was married on April 1, 1961.Born on July 19, 1932 in Rouxville, South Africa, Reverend Pearce was the son of the late Leonard Gabrielle Pearce and the late Ruth Violet (Enston) Pearce. Raised in South Africa, he was a graduate of Muir College High School. After graduation, he went on to an apprenticeship with a gold mine in South Africa. Early in his life he worked as a Mining Engineer in the South African gold mines. His obvious zest and enthusiasm for the Lord led to his life calling as a Missionary. Reverend Pearce's desire to spread the Gospel to indigenous people in South Africa, included his involvement in dropping leaflets from airplanes to the villages below where lessons could be taught, and where he himself often taught village workshops. Reverend Pearce and his family permanently moved to Attleboro in 2000. He attended and graduated from the former Zion Bible Institute in East Providence, RI, and soon became an integral member of South Attleboro Assembly of God.Reverend Pearce honorably, tirelessly, and humbly devoted his life to his missionary work. In addition to his work with the Assembly of God, he taught Bible study at Canterbury Woods in Attleboro. Reverend Pearce also enjoyed crafting model ships and creating model railroads. He had a lifelong love of animals, especially of dogs and cats; and "Brady", his daughter's miniature Pinscher, held a special place in his heart. A beloved husband, father and mentor, his legacy of love for his family and devotion to God will remain as a strong presence for all who had the privilege knowing him. In addition to his wife, he leaves his cherished daughter, Jenny (Pearce) Aguiar and her husband, John M. Aguiar, Sr., of Attleboro, MA. He was the adoring grandfather of John M. Aguiar, Jr. of Attleboro, MA. Reverend Pearce is survived by two generations of nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He was the brother of the late Dr. Thomas Pearce.Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the South Attleboro Assembly of God, 1052 Newport Avenue, South Attleboro, MA. Burial services will be privately held in the Berkshires at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Reverend Pearce to the South Attleboro Assembly of God Missionary Department, 1052 Newport Avenue, South Attleboro, MA, 02703, would be appreciated.For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200